Welcome to the MKE With Kids Events Calendar — your go-to guide for family-friendly events in the Milwaukee area. From free storytimes and hands-on workshops to can’t-miss festivals and seasonal celebrations, we round up the best local happenings for kids and families all in one place.
Want to share an event? Submit it here for consideration.
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Join us at The Spot Family Play Studio in Grafton for family photos with Santa! $15/family, register here! Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.
Experience the magic of the holidays! Each December, the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center partners with local businesses and nonprofits to transform Zeunert Park in Cedarburg into a glowing drive-thru winter wonderland. Families can wind through the park and take in dazzling light displays, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Santa […]
Drive into the magic of the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, a radiant journey filled with hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday displays that sparkle with festive wonder. From the comfort of a cozy car, sip a favorite drink, snack on treats, and let the synchronized lights dance in harmony with holiday tunes. […]
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
The Ingleside Hotel If Christmas Were A Place, It Would Look Like This! Celebrating our 30th year as Wisconsin’s most spectacular drive-through holiday lights event! Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Join us for a Christmas Family Night! Santa Cow will be there ready for photos, as well as crafts, samples, and fun. Free to attend. Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.
Join The Pfister Hotel for a sweet time at our Sugar & Spice Gingerbread House Workshop! Celebrate the season with a joyful evening of festive creativity at our annual Gingerbread Workshop. Hosted by The Pfister Hotel’s talented Pastry Team, this delightful experience invites guests of all ages to decorate a beautifully pre-assembled gingerbread house with […]
November 21 - December 31 / 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.) Dec. 3-31; except closed Dec 8-9, 15-16, 24-25 Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest and pathways. Enjoy an enchanted evening […]
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 6:00pm (Sensory-Friendly performance) Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! After two whimsical years of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonders of the holidays once again. Find your tickets here! The annual sensory-friendly performance is […]
July 24 - August 2, 2025 For Times and Ticketing Info, Look Here. Performance Location: Greendale High School Auditorium, 6801 Southway Greendale, WI Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Granny Wendy Darling must convince the middle-aged lawyer, Peter Banning, that he was once the legendary Peter Pan. And so the adventure begins anew, with Peter off to Neverland to save his two children from Captain Hook. Along the way, he rediscovers the power of imagination, of friendship, and of magic. Please note: Dates and […]
Public Ice Skating! Check The Website for additional times. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical running November 25 - 30 THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming […]
Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition For decades Wisconsinites have enjoyed A Christmas Carol as their favorite holiday tradition. Now join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary production of this Dickens’ classic. Experience the magic of this beloved tale as Ebenezer Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation inspires holiday cheer with the timeless message of peace, hope and joy. With beautiful music, lively dancing, stunning sets […]
Christmas Trains November 28, 29, 30, December 5, 6-7, 12, 13-14, 19, 20-21 9a | 10:30a | Noon | 1:30p | 3p* *No 3pm trains on December 6, 7, 14, 21. Santa's Special Evening Trains Fridays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, 20 Wednesdays: Dec. 3, 10, 17 Departure: 5:00 […]
Christmas at the Zoo is a daytime event that's open daily from November 23rd through December 31st. Walk or drive through in the comfort of your own car, relax, and enjoy the wildlife along with the unique holiday displays and decorations. The drive-through experience takes approximately one hour. After your journey through the zoo, enjoy […]
November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026 Show Dome Theme: Holiday Show Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday: 9am-4pm Closed: Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park! Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]
Listen to a seasonally-themed book read by one of our staff members! Then take a short, guided hike and come back for a fun nature craft! All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is geared towards those ages 2-9 years old, but all ages are welcome to attend. Email Amanda at amanda@mequonnaturepreserve.org to claim […]
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026 Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]
🎄 Step into a winter wonderland at the Milwaukee Public Market, where talented students from the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Bakery Program present a dazzling display of gingerbread houses! These intricate and imaginative creations, crafted with care and expertise, bring holiday cheer to life through the artistry of MATC’s culinary students. Visitors of all […]
Join us at Infinite Gymnastics for Family Open Gym on Fridays from 10:30am-12pm Family Open Gym is designed for ages 1-6 with a parent (all ages are welcome on no school days!). RULES: Ages 6 & Under - Parents chaperone kids & remain within arm's reach. Parents are not allowed on the equipment. Ages 6+ […]
AFTERNOON TEA WEDNESDAYS - SUNDAYS SEATING TIMES: 11 AM - 2 PM Enjoy a respite from the bustle of daily chores and briefly return to a gentler era. We have created an experience that will surely become a treasured memory for you and yours. Guests enjoy a tableside tea blending, presented by a Pfister Tea […]
Celebrate the season with magical holiday photos with Santa, available November 21 through December 24! Capture personalized memories with your family and keep the festive spirit alive — photos will be available all season long. Location: Lower Level, Center Court Walk-ins and reservations welcomeReserve your spot here bookmysantavisit.com Santa takes a short break each day from 𝟮:𝟯𝟬-𝟯𝗽𝗺. […]
SEASON'S SCREENINGS Retro Series It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we want to celebrate it with you! Bring the whole family to the theatre this December 5 thru December 18 to see classic holiday films, back on the big screen! Tickets start at only *$6. Start a new holiday tradition with Marcus Theatres and Movie Tavern! Tickets […]
White Christmas (1954) on December 12-15 Two musical stars team with a sister act to help their old Army commander save his failing country inn. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Thanks to generous grants from the Greater Cedarburg Foundation and Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., a charming 15' x 15' gingerbread house graces Cedarburg's Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season; located just outside of the Cedarburg Community Gym: W63N645 Washington Ave Cedarburg, WI 53012 Santa and Mrs. Claus often stop by in the days leading […]
FESTIVAL DATES AND TIMES: Friday, December 5th from 4pm to 7pm Saturday, December 6th from 12pm to 7pm Sunday, December 7th from 12pm to 7pm Friday, December 12th from 4pm to 7pm Saturday, December 13th from 12pm to 7pm Sunday, December 14th from 12pm to 7pm *Star-topping ceremony expected to start at 4pm on […]
Friday Night Holiday Lights at the Villa debuts for two nights only (December 5 & 12) Experience the magic of the season at Friday Night Holiday Lights! Stroll through the Villa’s beautifully decorated gardens, aglow with twinkling lights and festive charm. Enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate as you take in the sights and sounds […]
Stroll along our gently lit trails with family and friends. Begin by decorating your own paper lantern and use it to illuminate the early evening hours. Go at your own pace to experience winter's tranquility. At the end of your hike, gather around a bonfire and enjoy some delicious hot chocolate! Please arrive anytime between 4:30pm to […]
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Trains November 28, 29, 30, December 5, 6-7, 12, 13-14, 19, 20-21 9a | 10:30a | Noon | 1:30p | 3p* *No 3pm trains on December 6, 7, 14, 21. Santa's Special Evening Trains Fridays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, 20 Wednesdays: Dec. 3, 10, 17 Departure: 5:00 […]
What better way to end the week than by making friends with other animal enthusiasts and meeting animal guests? Kids Night Out is for kids in grades 1-6 and provides an opportunity for parents to enjoy a Friday evening to themselves while the kids have an awesome time at WHS. Themes and crafts are always […]
What better way to end the week than by making friends with other animal enthusiasts and meeting animal guests? Kids Night Out is for kids in grades 1-6 and provides an opportunity for parents to enjoy a Friday evening to themselves while the kids have an awesome time at WHS. Themes and crafts are always […]
Santa's Christmas Cavalcade in partnership with Milwaukee Downtown Saturday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 Departs at 5:15 PM from Milwaukee Public Market See Santa and Mrs. Claus on this festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck. Route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market's Water Street entrance at 5:00 PM and travels throughout […]
Experience the magic of the holidays! Each December, the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center partners with local businesses and nonprofits to transform Zeunert Park in Cedarburg into a glowing drive-thru winter wonderland. Families can wind through the park and take in dazzling light displays, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Santa […]
Drive into the magic of the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, a radiant journey filled with hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday displays that sparkle with festive wonder. From the comfort of a cozy car, sip a favorite drink, snack on treats, and let the synchronized lights dance in harmony with holiday tunes. […]
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
The Ingleside Hotel If Christmas Were A Place, It Would Look Like This! Celebrating our 30th year as Wisconsin’s most spectacular drive-through holiday lights event! Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
JUMP ON THE JINGLE BUS JINGLE BUS TOURS *WEATHER PERMITTING* DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 28 FRI – SUN | 5PM TO 9PM TOURS DEPART FROM THE NEW WARMING HOUSE AT RED ARROW PARK Ooh and ahh at the winter wonderland scenes scattered throughout Downtown Milwaukee by hopping on the Jingle Bus, powered by KB […]
You're invited to our Winter Formal on Friday, December 12th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, as we step into a magical Winter Wonderland! Get ready for music, milestone photos, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Dressing up is completely optional—come as you are and ready to dance, connect, and enjoy the evening! The night begins with Red […]
November 21 - December 31 / 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.) Dec. 3-31; except closed Dec 8-9, 15-16, 24-25 Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest and pathways. Enjoy an enchanted evening […]
Have a holly, jolly time with Santa at the Y! Gather your friends and family to enjoy holiday crafts, games, cookies, and gingerbread house decorating. Santa Claus will also be on hand, so remember to bring your camera. $20/family, free for members. Only one registration per household required. Please note: Dates, times, and pricing […]
Have a holly, jolly time with Santa at the Y! Gather your friends and family to enjoy holiday crafts, games, cookies, and gingerbread house decorating. Santa Claus will also be on hand, so remember to bring your camera. FREE for members, $20 for non-members. Price is per family, not per person. Only one registration per […]
July 24 - August 2, 2025 For Times and Ticketing Info, Look Here. Performance Location: Greendale High School Auditorium, 6801 Southway Greendale, WI Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Public Ice Skating! Check The Website for additional times. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Black Arts MKE’s Black Nativity December 12 – 14 Black Nativity by Langston Hughes returns for its 10th Annual Holiday Musical Production, December 11-14, 2025, at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center. Event dates December 12 - December 14 Friday, December 12 @ 7:30pm Saturday. December 13 @ 2:00pm Saturday, December 13 @ 7:30pm […]
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical running November 25 - 30 THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming […]
Want to share an event? Submit it here for consideration.